TIL that there are people who have special shoes when they drive a car
this post was submitted on 18 Feb 2025
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The best driving shoe is bare feet. Nothing feels better than direct skin contact when piloting the machine.
I wouldn't call it life-changing, but driving a manual with thin, flat soles makes a noticeable difference. Driving in my hiking boots feels like trying to use a game controller with thick ski gloves on.
Spring to fall, I drive in bare feet whenever it's appropriate. It's so much more direct and comfortable. That said, I prefer bare feet when possible anyway - I realize it's not for everyone.
Thanks for responding. It's probably not for me, but I hear that a lot of people prefer barefoot. I wonder if the toe-shoes are a compromise.
Yeah, me too. I'll drive in whatever I happen to be wearing, whether that be Adidas samba, Harley Davidson boots, or chunky skate shoes. I've never felt the need to have specific shoes to press pedals.
I don't think I'm in the right climate for it. I need heavy boots to counter the cold and snow, and I can't be bothered to change shoes every time I get in and out of the car.
If you don't mind me asking, what do you drive?
A Dacia Sandero and Hyundai Tucson.
Nice! That makes sense. You might have more room around the pedals and a higher seating position. My legs are far more in front of me than under me, and the pedals are very close together.
I've got fireproof racing shoes for racing and track days but for everyday driving I'd put another recommendation in for Vans.
Thanks for the feedback. +1 to Vans it is.
Driving shoe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkRkuI0ZgX0&t=82
Quite frankly, that was completely unasked for and entirely inappropriate for the purposes of this thread. Thank you. I enjoyed every bizarre moment of it.
Vans, comfortable basic shoes that go with any outfit, and the flat bottom makes it super easy for heel-toe
Thanks! I'll check them out. Do you know if they make models with a rolled heel?
I'm not sure sorry
That's okay. Thanks for your input. I appreciate it.
Maybe a weird take, but check out some fencing shoes. Thereβs a ton of variety but they seem to have the traits youβre looking for:
- Rounded heel
- Responsive up in the toes
- Generally look like normal street shoes
Genius. They all look like high-quality, half-priced luxury driving shoes. Thanks for the tip. My only regret is the violent life of dueling that will surely come with them. Still, sacrifices must be made sometimes. In all seriousness, thank you.
I second the general recommendations of Vans or converse but IMO if you're also going to be on your feet all day wearing them the thin soles does get old fast. I wear my crossfit shoes most of the time and they are really good driving shoes because they tend more towards flat soles and unobtusive tread but still pretty good cushioning.
That sounds like a good hybrid solution. Thanks for sharing.
take off your shoes and drive barefoot for maximum control, then change back into shoes for your workday
I keep hearing this, but I don't think it's for me. So many people seem to like it that I'll at least respect it, but I can't imagine liking that.
If you want to feel what the car is doing, it's great. If you want to feel the clutch point, it's great. If you want to have precise throttle control, it's great. If you want to have protection in a fire, not so great.
I believe you. I won't go barefoot. I also intend not to catch fire.
I wear moccasins for this reason. Thin, responsive, lightweight. But then you do have to change when you're done.
Thanks. This might be a good compromise.
I always ran converse low tops for non-track driving. Lots of feel, plenty of space to heel-toe, and they go with anything
Thanks for the feedback. I look into them.
A long time ago, I had a pair of Puma shoes that had a similar look to F1 driving shoes, and they were awesome due to their light weight and thin soles - ever since then Iβve a convert to that style of shoe.
Maybe consider the Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66? Itβs a timeless design with plenty of colorways, so you should be able to get one that suits your tastes. They are also available in mid-runner form in case you want more of a boot fit (padded ankle).
I do like the look of the Puma Speedcat. I've heard good things about Onitsuka Tiger. They look pretty good, too. Thank you.
I haven't personally tried them, but maybe pilotis? Bonus is that some of their shoes look casual enough to wear out and about
Thanks for the tip. I'll take a look.
Off topic but i'm curious: what car(s) are you driving/tracking in? I eventually plan on converting my current car into a more track-oriented build
Nothing fancy. It's a Miata, but I love it.
Love to hear that :) that makes two of us. I'm in an nd!
NA owner checking in!
NA crew assemble!
I like to drive barefoot. Really get a feeling for the pedals and movement.
Thanks for the interesting idea. It's probably not for me, but I bet it's a good learning experience.
I like driving in Reef Deckhand shoes, I have a pair without the insoles that I use for manual transmission. They're similar to Vans slip-on's, flat sole and made with materials that aren't too stiff
Those look pretty cool. Thanks for the suggestion.